For nearly four decades, the backbone of Parkway Central’s music program has been Mr. Hoover. The man behind the baton, the famed teacher known in every department, he was a director who made marching band more than just a class. As all things do, his time at Central finally comes to a close, and, fortunately for him, he is ending his career on a high note– something he made a point to accomplish.
“The choice is retire or die, and I didn’t want them to happen on the same day,” Hoover said. “I love coming to school and I refused to sour that.”
His absence will leave a void that the Central community must work hard to fill, but his influence and wisdom will resonate for years to come. He departs from Central with no animosity, even providing some words of wisdom for the teacher to follow him; Hoover puts special emphasis on the students and how they deserve to be the “number one focus,” while adding that change for this program is more than possible.
“The band doesn’t have to be like it has always been. You can allow it to evolve into something completely new with a completely different emphasis, but it’s all gotta be about the kids and the program, not about what’s easy and what you selfishly want,” Hoover said.
A Legacy of Music and Mentorship
Hoover isn’t just a band director—he’s a second-generation music teacher who followed in his father’s footsteps. After earning his bachelor’s degree in music from New Mexico City University and a master’s in conducting from Southern Illinois University, he taught in Santa Fe before landing at Parkway Central in 1985. Since then, he’s been at the heart of the school’s band program, dedicating himself to helping students find a home in music, whether they were experienced performers or just starting out.
When asked about his greatest accomplishment, Hoover didn’t mention awards or performances. Instead, he highlighted the relationships he’s built with students over the years. “We’ve tried to create a culture where really advanced performers could grow, as well as less experienced people, helping them find a home within the band and the program,” he said.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
Reflecting on his career, Hoover admitted there are things he wishes he had done differently. “I wish I had paid more attention in my college classes,” Hoover said with a laugh, quoting Mark Twain: “I didn’t let college get in the way of my education.” He also acknowledged that in his early years, he was sometimes too harsh on students. Over time, he evolved, learning that teaching and coaching could be more collaborative rather than just authoritative, something that has changed vastly since the start of his teaching career in the 80s and 90s.
One of his biggest band moments? The 1996 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena. But even beyond the big performances, he treasures the moments spent working with students in rehearsals, where he could watch them grow as musicians and individuals.
What Comes Next?
Retirement doesn’t mean Hoover is done with music. He and his wife plan to take an Alaskan cruise right when school starts (a little poetic justice for all the summers spent leading the marching band), but after that, he plans to continue playing music on his own. He’s even considering taking drum set lessons.
His advice to the next band director?
“Parkway Central has great parents, administrators, and colleagues who will support you, as long as you stay true to the students. You have the opportunity to make this program whatever you want it to be.”
The Impact He Leaves Behind
Hoover’s influence extends far beyond the classroom. His colleague, Mr. Silvermintz, who had him as a teacher before becoming his coworker, described him as the “glue” holding the school together.
“He could work with coaches, lead his department, manage kids who needed everything done for them, coach up parents, talk to teachers across subjects, and run interference with administration,” he said. “There will be something of an ‘unlearning curve’ when next year rolls around.”
Silvermintz also spoke about how Hoover prioritized the students and ensured that band didn’t take away from their other interests.
“He could have demanded that kids give 100% of their time to band, but he wanted them to have a full high school experience. He didn’t make them quit sports or theater or debate. He supported them in everything, and that’s what made him such a special teacher.”
He also recalled one of his earliest memories of Hoover.
“Back when I was a sophomore, during the first football game of the season, I was playing bass drum, and I started waving my hands at him, telling him to stop playing because the other team was coming up to the line of scrimmage,” Silvermintz said. “But we finished out the song, and he looks at me and says ‘I’ve been doing this 20 years, so shut up and bang on the drum.’ That’s just something that has stuck with me my whole life.”
Students, past and present, also shared their admiration. Senior Samantha Taylor credits Hoover with shaping her high school experience through marching band.
“He encouraged me to work hard and be a leader, even when I didn’t have a title,” she said. “He didn’t just teach music; he taught us how to work together, how to be better people. He believed in us.”
Taylor also mentioned one of her favorite memories—Band of America this year.
“BOA was such a huge competition, and our band ended on the best score I’ve seen in my four years here. It felt like the perfect way to end my high school band career. And it felt special because Hoover was there, pushing us to be the best we could be.”
She also reflected on Hoover’s kindness.
“He always cared about us beyond just music. He wanted to make sure we were okay in every part of our lives. That’s what made him different.”
Junior Zach Bonet, who’s been in band since freshman year, admitted he’ll miss Hoover’s storytelling the most.
“He never runs out of stories,” he said. “And honestly, it was a great time-waster.”
Hoover himself reflected on his years of teaching, sharing a final message for his students: “I hope that being in band taught them more than just music. I hope it taught them discipline, teamwork, and the ability to work toward something bigger than themselves. Because that’s what life is about.”
Final Goodbyes
As Hoover steps away from Parkway Central, he hopes students remember two key lessons: integrity and perseverance.
“Whether you’re a recycling collector or a brain surgeon, you need those things,” Hoover said.
Above all, he hopes his students know that he cares about them as more than just musicians.
“I cared about their lives, their goals, their successes and setbacks,” he said. “I like to hope that’s important to them, too.”
Though Parkway Central will find a new band director, Hoover’s presence will always be felt in the music hallways. His legacy isn’t just in the notes played or the awards won—it’s in the relationships, the memories, and the lessons he’s left behind.
His longtime colleague and friend Silvermintz summed it up best: “Sometimes it’s the absence of a thing that reveals its true value. And trust me, we’re all about to see just how much Hoover did to hold this school together.”
